Tighter String-Spacing Pros and Cons

[teb]

And Todd, your 370WB is a '92 (despite the mods, just trying to get my assumptions right)?

I don't know.....it's red........The decoder says 1991.

[paologregorio]

IIRC, the string spacing was designed to emulate George's from day one.

[ken_j]

Keep in mind the C63 has a 7.25" crown raduis fretboard. The others are 10". In my opinion this amkes a big difference in feel. I prefer the 7.25". True vintage Ricks were 7.25".

[Folkie]

How does the rounder fretboard radius affect playability?

[ken_j]

How does the rounder fretboard radius affect playability?

It is easier for chording. Plus theoretically it gives you a little more space. I'm sure it's mot much but I seem to be able to chord more cleanly on a C63 compared to a V64.

[Folkie]

I'm extrapolating from my knowledge of Fenders, so forgive me if I'm a little off-base here. Would the rounder radius mean that the guitar's action would be higher (My guess is no, since I won't be doing any real bending on a 12-string)?

[Folkie]

JimK,

I read your recent post comparing your 2009 360/12 to Gary Clauson's 1989 370/12 RM, in which you said you noticed a difference in string-spacing. Could you elaborate a little on what you said?

Robert

[ken_j]

I'm extrapolating from my knowledge of Fenders, so forgive me if I'm a little off-base here. Would the rounder radius mean that the guitar's action would be higher (My guess is no, since I won't be doing any real bending on a 12-string)?

You answered your own question.

[sloop_john_b]

I always wondered if Misters F.C.Hall or Roger Rossmeisl had small hands and that's why the guitars ended up with such narrow necks. I love the narrow necks. It feels strange to me when I play other guitars, for example the Gibson SG-12.

Roger had nothing to do with the electric 12-string as he had left the company several years prior. F.C. Hall was not a musician IIRC.

[stsang]

I always wondered if Misters F.C.Hall or Roger Rossmeisl had small hands and that's why the guitars ended up with such narrow necks. I love the narrow necks. It feels strange to me when I play other guitars, for example the Gibson SG-12.

Roger had nothing to do with the electric 12-string as he had left the company several years prior. F.C. Hall was not a musician IIRC.

I had read on the Rickenbacker web page http://www.rickenbacker.com/history_modern.asp
that Roger Rossmeisl designed the Capri series of guitars which had "slim and narrow 'fast action' necks". My understanding (possibly wrong) is that the 300 series guitars (both 6 and 12 strings) are descended directly from the Capri series designs. So, was Roger Rossmeisl indirectly responsible for the narrow necks on 300 series 12-strings?

[Folkie]

I'm in a real quandary here. I can't afford a new 360/12C63 at the moment. I'd like to have the octave pairs on my 2010 360/12 spaced wider, but I'm not sure there's anyone local who has the expertise to do the job. My plan is to order up a 12-saddle bridge and have my nut replaced. I'll have to do some precise measurements of my 1991 330/12 to make sure the string-spacing on the 360 is just right.

The real question is, whom do I trust to do this mod? I bought the guitar from Chris Clayton at POTR, and his setup was spot on. But is there someone else, Jingle-Jangle perhaps, who might have more experience modifying nuts and installing 12-saddle bridges?

Robert

[JakeK]

The real question is, whom do I trust to do this mod? I bought the guitar from Chris Clayton at POTR, and his setup was spot on. But people here rave about Jingle-Jangle's work, and he might have more experience modifying nuts and installing 12-saddle bridges. Can anyone give me some words of advice?

Robert

if Chris is closer to you, take it to him, and maybe ask him for advice on your guitar's nut problem.

[Folkie]

Thanks, Jake. I live in Ohio, and Chris is in New Jersey. I spoke to him today about replacement bridge screws, but not yet on the subject of the mod I'm considering. I didn't mean to question his knowledge; he clearly is an expert when it comes to all things Rickenbacker.

[stsang]

Thanks, Jake. I live in Ohio, and Chris is in New Jersey. I spoke to him today about replacement bridge screws, but not yet on the subject of the mod I'm considering. I didn't mean to question his knowledge; he clearly is an expert when it comes to all things Rickenbacker.

Sorry to hear you're not 100% happy with your Ric. I didn't buy my Ric from Chris (he's the wrong side of New Jersey from me) but I've ordered several parts from him and he seems to be a good guy and extremely knowledgeable. Who knows - he may even offer exchange terms if your heart is really set on a Rick 360/12C63 (and he has one in stock)? Let us know how it goes!

[jimk]

Paging Jim Krause: I think your thoughts on your baby 360/12 from '09 vs Gary Clauson's Roger McGuinn LE from '89 would be appreciated!

I've been away for a couple of days. Anyhow......I don't think I noticed much of a difference in the feel of Gary Clauson's McGuinn LE and my '09 360/12. The detail that was immediately apparent was the closer string spacing of the courses. I didn't really spend that much time with Gary's guitar and so couldn't put it through its paces, so to speak. Bear in mind though, that I'm used to smallish instruments; banjo, fiddle, mandolin, and have overheard observations that I have long, skinny fingers. So I don't think I'm really much help here. All I can say is my '09 works for me, and I've no doubt that if it were a late '80s McGuinn LE, that I could get along just fine.
JimK